Elephants

Meet our Elephants

Sneezy

Sooky

Booper

Connie

Hank

Tulsa Zoo Opens The Mary K. and John T. Oxley Family Elephant Experience

The final element of Tulsa Zoo’s visionary new habitat for Asian elephants officially opened on Monday, April 7. The Mary K. and John T. Oxley Family Elephant Experience reflects an extensive renovation of the existing elephant interpretive center, outdoor spaces and barn, which originally opened in 1995.

This renovation coincides with the newly added 10-acre Elephant Preserve and the 36,650-square-foot Preserve Barn that opened Spring 2024. In all, Tulsa Zoo has dedicated 17 of its 124 acres to Asian elephants.

“Tulsa voters generously approved an investment in our zoo’s Asian elephant habitat through Vision – an investment to make Tulsa home to one of the largest facilities in North America for this important, endangered species,” said Tulsa Zoo President and CEO Lindsay Hutchison. “Within one month of opening the Preserve Barn last year, we welcomed two elephants from Columbus Zoo & Aquarium, increasing our herd to five members. Completely gutting and rethinking our former elephant barn and viewing areas increases our flexibility to manage multiple herds and care for Asian elephants of all life stages.”

The Elephant Experience is the guests’ hub, offering visitors opportunities to engage with staff or docents about the zoo’s Asian elephant program; learn how the various spaces of the facilities work together and where the elephants may be visible at that moment, and even watch live video footage of elephants across the 17 acres.

“Guests will have indoor and outdoor viewing opportunities, and an elephant interpretive center to learn more about the world of elephants,” said Hutchison. “We’ve added restrooms, too, which is important to our families, and eventually plan to bring back overnight experiences.”

Tulsa Zoo has a successful history of caring for Asian elephants, said Vice President of Animal Conservation & Science Joe Barkowski. “Driven by our commitment to the species and to the individual animals in our care, we developed a plan for expansion and improvements to support a larger, multi-generational Asian elephant herd. Our plans are driven in part by an elephant welfare study and evolving husbandry standards, as well as our desire to care for larger and more varied social groupings. The result of our vision is 17 acres devoted to Asian elephants, including indoor and outdoor spaces with maximum flexibility for herd management and care around the clock. The Mary K. and John T. Oxley Family Elephant Experience and Elephant Preserve will allow Tulsa Zoo to accommodate a growing herd for generations to come.”

Thank you to the Citizens of Tulsa for Vision Tulsa funding and to the following project partners:

About Our Herd

Tulsa Zoo has five Asian elephants: Sooky, Sneezy, Booper, Hank and Connie.

Sooky is cautious of change, making her a protective matriarch to the herd. She is often seen guiding other elephants around the habitat. In addition to socializing with the other elephants, Sooky is always eager to spend time with her keepers.

Sneezy, one of our bull elephants, is curious and confident when experiencing new things. He is distinguishable by his lack of tusks. Sneezy enjoys interacting with Booper, Connie, and Sooky.

Booper is easy to find because of her small ears and deep-set eyes. She’s calm and cautious, making her the most subordinate in the matriarchy. Booper and Sooky often prefer to spend time together.

Hank, our largest bull elephant, is easily identifiable by his large, crooked tusks. While he enjoys socializing with the other elephants, he and Connie have a special bond.

Guests can spot Connie by the two humps especially prominent on the top of her head. While she enjoys her time with Booper and Sooky, she has a special fondness for the bulls, Hank and Sneezy.

FAQ

How long has the Tulsa Zoo been caring for Asian Elephants?

For 70 years the Tulsa Zoo has been dedicated to providing excellent care for Asian elephants at all stages of life.

Why are Billy and Tina moving to Tulsa?

The move is part of our zoo’s commitment to collaborating with other AZA facilities in the best interest of individual elephants in our collective care. Our zoo has a 70-year history of caring for Asian elephants at all stages of life.

This move follows a recommendation from the Asian Elephant Species Survival Plan®, managed by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums to help keep elephants in North American zoos genetically diverse. Male elephants commonly move between herds in their native ranges; zoos collaborate to replicate this natural behavior. The decision to move Billy and Tina is also part of a larger AZA effort to ensure elephants thrive in professional care and are around for future generations, supporting the overall survival of the species.

The Tulsa Zoo will provide the best opportunity for Billy and Tina to thrive, providing a focus on individualized care plans. The move will allow the bonded pair to stay together, give Billy the benefit of staff experienced in caring for multiple bulls and Tina a strong female group for her social needs.

When will I be able to see Billy and Tina?

Each animal at the Tulsa Zoo must complete a routine quarantine period to ensure they are healthy before introductions with current animals may occur. For smaller mammals, quarantine typically happens behind the scenes in the hospital on grounds. Once they arrive, Billy and Tina will be in quarantine in a portion of The Mary K. and John T. Oxley Family Elephant Experience and Preserve and might be visible at times during quarantine. The zoo will provide updates on social media.

Will Billy, Hank and Sneezy be ok living together?

Our animal care team designs individualized care plans for each elephant, which includes the arrangement of social groupings. In time various members of the herd will be introduced based on our observations, ensuring appropriate species-specific behavior. Our elephant complex allows us the flexibility to manage multiple bulls whether they are housed in a bachelor herd or with groups of females. Watch social media for additional updates concerning herd dynamics and introductions.

Why can’t I see the Preserve?

The 10-acre preserve provides an expansive space that depicts a naturalistic environment for the elephants to explore. The preserve is an untouched, forested wetland for elephants to roam. Offering the elephants land and time with minimal human interference is another enriching option that stimulates the elephants mentally and physically, further benefiting their wellbeing.

How are the elephants monitored when they are in the Preserve?

The preserve is equipped with cameras throughout the 10 acres, allowing us to monitor the elephants from the offices located in the Elephant Preserve Barn.

Is the Preserve safe for the elephants?

Before allowing elephants access to the preserve, we carefully inspected the land for any debris or hazards. We inspect the land and perimeter fencing daily to keep the elephants safe.

How many elephants are in the Preserve?

The number of elephants in the preserve depends on the type of herd that has access to the preserve at that time and changes often depending on the unique needs of our elephants.

Are we going to be able to see elephants via video if they are in the Preserve?

Yes! When elephants are in the preserve, the public will be able to see them through cameras in The Mary K. and John T. Oxley Family Elephant Experience.

Questions?

If you have questions, email [email protected].